Happy Birthday Ellie!

We have been celebrating Ellie's 11th birthday this month! We went to North Dakota to play in the snow on the big day so she got to party with both sides of the family over her birthday weekend. We got home last Thursday and Friday she had a long awaited sleepover. I'm not kidding...she has patiently waited two years for this party! Nine of her friends spent the night....plus my three and Katie's friend Hannah who came to help out made 13 girls in the house! Her long time buddy, Kayla, who recently moved away was even able to spend the weekend with us making it extra special.

To give you a little glimpse of some of the things that make Ellie so special...she loves to sing and read and play soccer. She always has a bit of mischief in her eyes...usually with the intention of pestering one of her sisters (in a loving way of course)...for instance...she loves hugs and she is well aware that at least one of her sisters does NOT. Ellie also loves politics and history. A sign on her door will tell you that you are entering the room of a future "President of the United States" and that "she approves this message!" She is sensitive to the needs of others wonderful with smaller kids. Even though she would rather be taking voice lessons (someday!) she makes beautiful, expressive music with her violin. And if you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up she will tell you she plans to be President, a hairdresser, an archaeologist, and a professional soccer player. Not necessarily at the same time:)